How Do I Become a Concrete Finisher?
In British Columbia, trade certification for concrete finishers is available, but not mandatory
You can find employment as a concrete finisher without formal training. However, most employers prefer to hire people who have completed a two- to four-year apprenticeship program and gained certification through SkilledTradesBC.
Apprenticeship involves both classroom studies and on-the-job training under the supervision of a certified tradesperson, called a journeyperson.
To obtain a Certificate of Qualification as a concrete finisher, you write the Red Seal Exam to qualify for Red Seal endorsement. With a Red Seal, you can work in this trade anywhere in Canada.
If you have significant work experience in the trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may apply to challenge the certification. Being approved to challenge means that if you meet the criteria for your trade, you will not be required to go through the full program. Instead, you are allowed to become certified by writing and passing the final exam(s).
For more information about apprenticeship programs and certification see: